Champlain College does its best to provide opportunities for students to grow with the community and as well as individuals. During Martin Luther King week, I was given a chance to co-host a workshop with a close friend of mine to raise discrimination and racism awareness. Inspired by Dr. King, our discussion revolves around incidents that occur in everyday life but are kept silent.

Many of my “first" occurs here at Champlain. My first published artwork, the first time I raised my voice to something I care about, the first time I devoted a week to improve other people’s live, the first time I took leadership in a club, the first time I had a roommate, the first time people treated me like an adult, the first time I facilitated a discussion and the list goes on.

Champlain is not only about getting a good education; it’s also about learning and growing as an individual. It’s about being socially active, and aware of global issues. It’s about learning how to express concerns for the things that matter. What more can you ask for out of a college?

This was taken at a Refugee Resettlement dinner co-sponsored by OSDI.

Posted by Hau Le at 4:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So much to do, but so little time. I thought the first few weeks of classes were supposed to be mellow and rather slow. It may be true for some other students here at Champlain, but definitely not for me. I came back to campus a week before everyone else did because I was contacted by the Center for Service and Civic Engagement to work on designs for their upcoming event. Then when classes started, I had to get the International Club up and running again, and finished up a few projects that I didn’t finish last semester in the Office of Student Diversity.

Last night, I felt honored to be able to speak in front of the Board of Trustees. I was flattered when I was asked to give a speech to the BOT regarding community services and what it has done for me. I accompanied my speech with a video that I made from going down to New Orleans last spring for my spring break. It was a remarkable experience. The expenses were paid through fundraising and a big part from Champlain College. I’m heading down to New Orleans again this spring break with twice as many students from last year. I’m pumped and ready!

This is the video that I'd assembled from my trip down to New Orleans with twelve other Champlain's students in 2007.

Posted by Hau Le at 8:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In case I’ve never mentioned it before, but I’ve always been living at home with my parents while attending Champlain. My first year was quite difficult to fit in. I lived far away; I was disconnected from my fellow Champlain students and cut off from all the resources Champlain offers. I was trying to adjust to college life—at home. It’s the hardest thing to do. I’m watching all my friends having the time of their life at college, and fully emerged into the typical “college student" lifestyle. While, I’m still living under the roof that my parents provided and along with that—I still have to abide all their rules.

As of right now, at this very second…it’s all about to CHANGE!

I’ve made an “adult" decision and left my home to venture off into the unknown. I’m still unpacking my belongings in my new room in Rowell Hall. It’s by far the most exciting thing that I’ve ever done in my life. I’m away from my parents, I feel grown up, I know I can take care of myself, and I know I’m about to gain a whole new perspective. I’ve always wanted the whole package from being college student—the good and the bad.

To be honest, I’m a bit sad. Last night, I had to break the news to my baby brother, Cody, who’s only 5-years old. I sat him down and told him I can’t be with him anymore and that I’ll be living on campus. My tears were trying to force its way out as he said, “Why? You can’t go! I want you here. I will block the door tomorrow morning so you can’t go. But if you leave before I wake up, then I’ll tell mom to go search for your car and we’ll make you come home." It’s heartbreaking when this morning I lied to him. I told him I was just going to my car and grab my stuff—but little did he know, that I wouldn’t be back for a long time.

On a happier note, now I can cross “Living in a dorm" off of my checklist. The next thing to do is—study abroad!

Posted by Hau Le at 3:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)